'Trust Those Guys!' C.J. Stroud Thankful For Offensive Line Effort

The Houston Texans offensive line has some serious health issues at the moment, but C.J. Stroud appreciates the effort they are putting in to protect him.

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans (0-2) are off to a tough start to the 2023 season. 

However, that is not due to a lack of effort. Whether it has been the defense, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, or the patchwork offensive line, it has been clear that the Texans are playing with urgency. 

In particular, that effort has been felt on the offensive line, which is down multiple starters, and struggling to find their chemistry.

But despite their struggles, they have also earned the trust of their rookie quarterback.

“You’ve got to trust those guys, and I do,” Stroud said. “It’s just a consistent fight every play. I’m up for the challenge, and those guys are too. I appreciate those guys. Even Kendrick (Green)... he’s fighting his tail off."

"Same thing with George (Fant). Shaq (Mason) was our only starter. (Jarrett Patterson) didn’t play at all last year really and was a really good center in college, but this isn’t college, and he’s playing against a really good defensive line two weeks in a row. Josh (Jones) was at guard last week. He moved to left tackle. That’s a hard thing to do”

Stroud's words of praise for his offensive line don't come lightly either, with the rookie being sacked 11 times through his first two games - five times by the Ravens, and six times by the Colts.

That said, he has still been able to put up solid numbers, including 384 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Indianapolis. He is also completing 63.7 percent of his passes through the first two games. 

As such, Stroud appreciates the fight his line has shown, and the opportunity it has given him to produce thus far.

"This is the NFL," Stroud said. "It’s the best players in the world every week. So, I definitely appreciate those guys because they’re fighting. They’re not just giving up... I love those boys, and I’m going to keep fighting for them because they’re fighting for me.”